Stories > The ultimate machine - why you really need an Aero L39 Albatros
The ultimate machine - why you really need an Aero L39 Albatros

The ultimate machine - why you really need an Aero L39 Albatros

Published 2018-07-10 by Peter Ternström

Dear Santa. That’s how many letters from children start in December. I’m no longer a child. But I’ve stumbled upon something that I really want. Really want. This thing is so incredibly amazing that it is unbelievable that it is now available for civilians to purchase.

Forget everything you know about super cars. Forget Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Pagani or Koenigsegg. Forget speedboats and the penthouse in Puerto Banus. Here comes the absolutely most awesome thing you can buy when the midlife crisis hits you.

Aero L-39 Albatros. That's what is called. Let me explain what it is. It's definitely not a car. It's a military jet trainer. Developed in Czechoslovakia by the company Aero Vodochody in the late 60's it's the most sold jet-powered school airplane ever. Almost 3 000(!) units were built since 1972 and delivered to air forces all over the world. The primary buyers were former Soviet states, together with nice and friendly countries like Cuba, Libya, Syria, Iraq and so on.

The airplane is relatively small. It is only 12 meters long and has a wing span just short of 10 meters. It only weighs 4 tons including pilot and fuel. As a comparison, the JAS 39 Gripen is 14 meters long and weighs almost 9 tons including pilot and fuel. JAS 39 Gripen is of course a much faster airplane, with a top speed of more than 2 200 km/h.

Gripen has a unit price starting at around 40 million Euro. But, it doesn't matter. Even if you have the money, you won’t be able to buy it. The airplane is classified as military equipment. You can only buy JAS 39 Gripen if you are a friendly, democratic, state that is trusted and liked by the Swedish government. So, price doesn’t really matter. Even if you are a multi billionnaire, you won’t be able to buy your own Gripen. Forget about it. (Elon Musk - I dare you)

Now the good news. You can actually buy and operate your own L-39 Albatros. It is not meant for war. It is just a trainer. Also, it’s getting old. A lot of air forces have stopped using the little jet long time ago. That is why many of the almost 3 000 airplanes built now are sold on the second-hand market to the highest bidder.

The L-39 is not as fast as the Gripen. It is not supersonic. But, it flies almost 900 km/h. And you know what? It doesn't cost 40 million Euro. The price for a good second-hand L-39 starts at around 250 000 US dollars. Just 250 000 dollars! All depending on condition, equipment and how many hours the engine has been running. Compared to the JAS, the L-39 is a fantastic deal.

If you have a regular private pilot license you can fly the L-39 Albatros. The only thing you need to do is getting the extra certification for jet engines. You heard me right. After a few hours of getting to know the jet turbine, and type rating for the L39, you are good to go over 900 km/h in European airspace on your own.

At that kind of speed you’ll be passing the fastest Airbus and Boeing machines from SAS or Etihad. You can also fly at the same altitude, since you have a pressurised cabin and an oxygen supply in your helmet. Just like a real military jet. There is no small civil aircraft in comparison. If you compare it to a car, even the Bugatti Chiron is not enough. You would need a car that goes 600 km/h to be even close.

Now, let’s assume you live in Stockholm. Your L-39 Albatros is parked in a hangar at Bromma Airport. Since your airplane has a top speed of almost 800 km/h you can imagine the possibilities.

Gotland? Sure! Seven minutes after take off from Bromma you are landing at Visby airport. No one has ever relocated so fast from Stureplan to Visby.

Malmö? No problem. It takes about 30 minutes to Sturup. Tallinn? About the same time. But you have to steer clear of Kaliningrad to avoid starting a world war. Don’t forget that you are as terrifyingly fast as the real deal - a military jet fighter.

Going to Berlin? Here comes the fun part. I love Berlin. According to my calculations it should take about 1 hour and 20 minutes to get there, if you go full speed.

No matter where you’re going, you can always bring a passenger (since it’s a trainer) and some luggage. When you park your L-39 Albatros on Schönefeld airport you are the coolest pilot of the bunch. Even the hotshots arriving in their Gulfstream G650 or Falcon 7X will feel like complete losers. All other pilots, flying regular Boeings and Airbuses will be green with envy.

You are Superman. A superhero in the air. Fastest of them all. Air traffic controllers all over Europe will gossip about you on their coffee breaks. The elfish people of the north will write songs about you. About the the guy with the privately owned L-39. Yes, it's crazy. Yes, it's totally awesome. Yes, you need to buy one. Now.

Do you want me to continue? Or do you already realise exactly how wonderful it would be to own a L-39 Albatros? This is the ultimate gadget. The price is comparable to a sailing boat. The operating cost is about 2 000 Euro per hour. Not much more than a fast motor boat. The only problem is that you need a private pilot license and a type rating for the L-39. Something that should be possible to arrange at your local flight club in less than a year, if you’re put some effort into it.

Then you are ready to become a legend. Maybe you’re an average Joe in the week days. But in the weekends you will become Maverick in Top Gun.

Peter Ternström
Peter Ternström
peter@granturismo.org

Coming Events

Gran Turismo Dolomiti
29 August - 2 September 2024
Treviso - Cortina - Bolzano - Garda Lake
Gran Turismo Polonia
24-30 June 2024
Poland
Subscribe to our newsletter

The latest news and stories. All the best roads, hotels and restaurants. Invitations to exciting events. Be the first to know by subscribing to our newsletter.

Mondo Gran Turismo

More news and stories from the world of Gran Turismo

Was this Ferrari 288 GTO Enzo's apology to Niki Lauda?
Was this Ferrari 288 GTO Enzo's apology to Niki Lauda?
The secret deal between Lauda & Ferrari
How it all started: Gran Turismo Polonia
How it all started: Gran Turismo Polonia
20 years ago - Gran Turismo Events was born.
The true cost of owning a Ferrari
The true cost of owning a Ferrari
Objects in the mirror can be closer than they appear
Here are the top 60 pictures from the 2023 season
Here are the top 60 pictures from the 2023 season
Here are our favourite pictures from the 2023 season.
The astonishing stats from the 2023 season
The astonishing stats from the 2023 season
The total kilometres driven on all road trip events came in at 357 670 kilometres.
Here are our new rental cars for 2024
Here are our new rental cars for 2024
Out goes 2023 and in comes the 2024 season, and with it a plethora of new supercars available to rent from us.
Merry Christmas from Gran Turismo - Celebrating 20 years in 2024
Merry Christmas from Gran Turismo - Celebrating 20 years in 2024
The next season marks an anniversary for us, we have now been organising events for over 20 years.
Lotus vs Airplane - Who would win?
Lotus vs Airplane - Who would win?
Back in 2015, we raced a sportscar against an aeroplane on an airstrip in Sweden.
A night in The British Museum
A night in The British Museum
We spent an evening in the most important museum in the world. Here's how it went.
The absolute horror to ride in a Formula One car
The absolute horror to ride in a Formula One car
That time Peter got brutalised by a Formula One car on Yas Marina circuit
50 000 kilometres in 2023 - Here is the fast fleet of Gran Turismo
50 000 kilometres in 2023 - Here is the fast fleet of Gran Turismo
We do as we teach. Over 50 000 kilometres with our fleet of supercars in 2023.
No pulse: How Saab Turbo inspired a medical revolution
No pulse: How Saab Turbo inspired a medical revolution
The human body is fantastic, but it has it's weak points. A team of doctors decided to make it better.
Why we absolutely hate Dolphins
Why we absolutely hate Dolphins
They are some of the meanest and nastiest mammals that have ever existed
Here are the most common reasons for road rage and how to avoid it
Here are the most common reasons for road rage and how to avoid it
Please admit it. There have been times when you have wanted to murder someone next to you in traffic.
Do NOT wear Hawaii shirts at Lamborghini events
Do NOT wear Hawaii shirts at Lamborghini events
How not to dress at an elegant event invited by Lamborghini
Here is why I hate touchscreens
Here is why I hate touchscreens
The trend of big touchscreens in cars is a gigantic problem
The world’s most beautiful roads are in Switzerland
The world’s most beautiful roads are in Switzerland
Here is the holy trinity of Swiss alpine roads.
The legendary Rolls-Royce incident in Sweden in 1986
The legendary Rolls-Royce incident in Sweden in 1986
That time when Rolls-Royce went well out of their way to keep a client happy
Did the Ferrari Museum go too far?
Did the Ferrari Museum go too far?
How the Ferrari Museum coerced Marek to donate his car
Downforce is dark magic
Downforce is dark magic
I lost my downforce virginity recently. Here's how.
A postcard from Rome and The Vatican
A postcard from Rome and The Vatican
On March 23, we did a private tour of the Vatican.
Meet James Holm, our in-house photographer
Meet James Holm, our in-house photographer
Arguably the best automotive photographer in Scandinavia, James has been our event photographer since over a decade.
Houston, we have a massive problem
Houston, we have a massive problem
I love flying. This particular flight though, every pilot's nightmare became my reality.
Porsche is developing a hybrid 911
Porsche is developing a hybrid 911
It will utilize the latest hybrid technologies from the 919 Hybrid
Alfa Romeo is working on a new supercar
Alfa Romeo is working on a new supercar
They are pursuing a new Alfra Romeo tipo 33
Wallypower 118 - the coolest luxury yacht in the world
Wallypower 118 - the coolest luxury yacht in the world
Meet the luxury yacht from the movie "The Island"
Did you know? Rolex was founded in London.
Did you know? Rolex was founded in London.
The story of Rolex goes far beyond luxury watches.
The Ferrari F356 is the best Ferrari you never heard of
The Ferrari F356 is the best Ferrari you never heard of
Over the years, the F356 became one of the most sought-after cars in the world.
Sued by Ferrari because they deserved it
Sued by Ferrari because they deserved it
Guess what? Ferrari will sue you if you use their brand in a malicious way
Mr Bond, you have what the Greeks call thrasos
Mr Bond, you have what the Greeks call thrasos
Why James Bond films are so important.
The bizarre naming convention of Ferrari cars
The bizarre naming convention of Ferrari cars
Have you ever wondered how Ferrari determines the name for their cars?
I have no idea, I just stole the Lotus from a brat at Stureplan
I have no idea, I just stole the Lotus from a brat at Stureplan
The flashing blue light in the rear-view mirror approached at breakneck speed. Then I saw that the police blocked the road.
How to go from zero to owning a Ferrari in just one year
How to go from zero to owning a Ferrari in just one year
Dreaming about a Ferrari? Here is how you can make it happen in just one year.
Why the adorable Fiat 126p is the best car in the world
Why the adorable Fiat 126p is the best car in the world
Forget supercars like Lamborghini and Ferrari. The best car in the world is the Fiat 126p. Bear with us and let us explain.
The best pictures from 2022 - Places 1 to 20
The best pictures from 2022 - Places 1 to 20
As every year, we select the best pictures from the season. Here are places 1 to 20.
Mister Kawasaki and the most expensive chicken wings in the world
Mister Kawasaki and the most expensive chicken wings in the world
When you have unlimited money, amazing things can happen.
Forget the Fiat 500 of the 70s - The Lancia Stratos was really cramped
Forget the Fiat 500 of the 70s - The Lancia Stratos was really cramped
Fifteen years ago, I was the king of SEGA Rally. And the fastest car in the game was the Lancia Stratos.
Here comes the Swedish banker and his disgusting Italian girlfriend
Here comes the Swedish banker and his disgusting Italian girlfriend
Cencio la Parolaccia - The most fun restaurant in Rome.
No good deed shall go unpunished - How a Christmas gift went horribly wrong
No good deed shall go unpunished - How a Christmas gift went horribly wrong
A Christmas gift goes horribly wrong in Stockholm, 20 years ago.
The best pictures from 2022 - Places 21 to 40
The best pictures from 2022 - Places 21 to 40
As every year, we select the best pictures from the season. Here are places 21 to 40.
More stories

La Guida - The Supercar Owner's Guide to Europe

Our favourite roads, hotels, restaurants and places to visit

Aruana Churrascaria
Aruana Churrascaria
A famous Brazilian meat restaurant on Costa Smeralda
Hotel Hermitage
Hotel Hermitage
A very elegant hotel in Monaco
Alberobello
Alberobello
A village with cute little smurf houses
More locations

Events Calendar

Beautiful road trips and famous racing tracks since 2002. Supercars only.

Gran Turismo St Moritz
8-11 February 2024
St Moritz, Switzerland
Fully booked
Gran Turismo Adriatica
4-12 May 2024
Croatia - Bosnia - Montenegro - Slovenia
Fully booked
Special Event Maranello
29-31 May 2024
Maranello, Italy
Gran Turismo Nurburgring
3-6 June 2024
Nurburgring, Germany
Fully booked
Gran Turismo Riviera
9-14 June 2024
Forte dei Marmi - Santa Margherita - Monaco - St Tropez
Fully booked
Gran Turismo Polonia
24-30 June 2024
Poland
Gran Turismo Dolomiti
29 August - 2 September 2024
Treviso - Cortina - Bolzano - Garda Lake
Gran Turismo Europa
8-15 September 2024
St Moritz - Andermatt - Lugano - Monaco - Saint Tropez
Fully booked
Gran Turismo Italia
22-28 September 2024
Bologna - Florence - Portofino - Barolo - Iseo - Como - Garda
Gran Turismo Toscana
9-13 October 2024
Florence - Chianti - Lucca - Florence
The Drivers Collection
Contact us

While our head offices are in Geneva, Switzerland, the team is spread throughout Europe: Sweden, Poland, Italy and Croatia. Please select the appropriate team member to contact below.

For general enquiries, you can always use info@granturismo.org. For event registrations, please use registry@granturismo.org.

Justyna Weclawiak Justyna Weclawiak
Head of Event Organisation
+48 509 706 651
Björn Lagercrantz Björn Lagercrantz
Head of Finance
+46 (0)70 844 64 00
Michal Weclawiak Michal Weclawiak
Event Coordinator
+48 602 134 467
Zdravko Anticic Zdravko Anticic
Head of Content Creation
+385 (0)91 917 32 77
Pietro Bonuccelli Pietro Bonuccelli
Supercar Fleet Manager
+39 349 888 33 89
Marcin Jellinek Marcin Jellinek
Head of Special Events
+48 519 189 081
Nicolas Grandi Nicolas Grandi
Official Photographer
+39 347 917 42 70
Peter Ternstrom Peter Ternström
Founder and President
+39 331 332 50 80